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Chapter 322
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The Birthright Series Chapter 323
IN THE CLEARED, DRESSED, AND opened rooms Alek waited for Cat to round the corner in the ceremony rehearsal. With the walls of the ballrooms, plus the throne room and several other estate rooms all opened they would be able to fit almost twenty thousand guests, slotted in carefully. Elena had considered having it as standing space only, but the three-hour ceremony was too long to expect most of their guests to manage standing. Vesbel and her large team of workers scurried about, winding enormous lengths of flowers up the support pillars in the various rooms, decorating the chairs that lined the path to the altar with fresh boughs in crimson with accents of white and green. Several meadow sprites hovered about, chatting to the blooms, asking them to last the next couple of days.A trumpet rang out.Straightening where he stood at the discreetly marked position near where normally the door to the first ballroom was, Alek shifted restlessly against a growing unpleasantness in his gut. P
The Birthright Series Chapter 324
THE SHARP RAP ON THE door had the ardwyr's hackles up in an instant. Leseach made a sound in her throat that quietened the snarls to grumbles as she opened the door.'She knows me anywhere,' Rashid commented as he made a short bow to Leseach. 'Ready for the hunt?''Yes,' Leseach replied, stepping past him into the corridor. The ardwyr charged after her, stopping short at another sound from her. 'No. You stay.'Lips pursed as if he might laugh, Rashid shut the door neatly behind her. Leseach regarded him for a moment, indignant for her friend's sake.'What?' Rashid said it in the laughing voice he used sparingly around her.It gave rise to the urge to smile, but she resisted like always. Men forgot their place too easily. She kept her flat expression in place before lifting her eyebrows and looking down the corridor with a nod.They headed off in silence, the noise of those crowded along the second-floor corridor making up for it. With the wedding in just two days an assortment
The Birthright Series Chapter 325
AROUND THEM THE MASS OF centaurs began to shift. Leseach and Rashid stayed at the head of the group while the lines formed.Turning back in the saddle to stare at the three hundred or so entries to the hunt, a certain sense of satisfaction rose. She may have failed in her duty. But she'd killed the culprit. It caused an unpleasant tipping sensation within. On one hand she'd protected the princess from future violation. But oh, the thoughts of what he might have done. That scent, the memory of that musky male scent, it both turned her stomach and infuriated her.She expelled the swelling agony of emotion in a harsh breath, gripping the handle on the saddle while scowling unseeing at the ground.A sharp trumpet of the horns made her head snap up, recognizing the call for attention. There on the white stone steps of the castle stood Alek and Cat, smiling at them all. Leseach felt her heart ache at the sight. She looked lovely, hair aglow as she and Alek waved at the crowd with wide s
The Birthright Series Chapter 326
A HORN BLASTED. LESEACH LIFTED in the saddle and tightened her single-handed grip on the handle, the unpleasantly squishy splatterbug cradled close to her stomach.The next blast then the next sounded. Shouts rang out. Her centaur spurred into action, long strides breaking into a swift gallop. Wind rushed past her face, whisking errant hairs back from her forehead. The scent of the khalazyons reached her nostrils and they prickled at the sharp arid smell. Her heart began to race in anticipation, lips spreading in an instinctive bearing of teeth, nose curling as a snarl rolled up her throat.She'd missed the thrill of a hunt.The sounds of horses and centaurs charging toward the field were drowned out by the sudden deep warning bellows from the creatures still hidden in the grasses.Her soldier didn't slow, plunging into the long grasses. With his height she was able to see over the top of the grasses, able to glimpse the massive bodies.'RIGHT!'Her roar turned the centaur in h
The Birthright Series Chapter 327
'SHE DID IT!'The centaur's shout of excitement took Rashid's focus from the stained animal they'd been tracking. Leaning to peer ahead, he caught sight of the tall blonde Northerner standing alongside a fallen khalazyon, the soldier she'd rode next to her. A horn blast from the soldier he rode rang loud in his ears as he jerked back. Only moments later answering cries rang out as the hunters passed the call on. 'Head back?' his soldier called.'No! Let's go admire the kill.'Reaching the kill site Rashid swung a leg over, landing easily on the ground and grinned widely at Leseach.'Well done! I think you must have found the largest male too!''It was the first we spotted,' the soldier she'd ridden said laughingly. 'Beginners luck!'They chatted as other hunters rode in to admire the kill. Leseach took the congratulations in her stride, a half-smile in place. The scent of the kill grew stronger and the soldier she'd ridden set off with Rashid's soldier to go lead the cart pul
The Birthright Series Chapter 328
'LESEACH?' HE HAD TO PAUSE for breath, head spinning from the frantic run. 'Leseach?' The wooded area was fairly shallow before the hill went sharply up. Blinking, eyes watering from the dust cast up from the dragged kill, he spotted the drag marks. Following them without thinking he came up short at the cave entrance.'Holy Ahssan!'Not just two tehnears. A den of them. Horror spread as if he'd touched an ice jytnar with its poison spreading through his veins, freezing them solid.Closing his eyes for a long moment he waited, letting his mind calm.He couldn't lose her again.The heavy toll of resignation rang through his mind.He opened his eyes.With a calm deliberate step, he drew the long daggers sheathed to either thigh and entered the cave.THE MUSKY SCENT ONLY INCREASED within the tunnels, combined with an overwhelming smell of large animals and defecation. Leseach crept silently into the ink black darkness, the tips of her ears stiff as she listened with all her stre
The Birthright Series Chapter 329
THE BATTERED AND BLOODY MAN lay crumpled just beyond the entrance to the caves. A bellowing roar of indignant fury shattered Leseach's stunned horror.She stooped, slipping an arm under his shoulder and swung, throwing her other arm around his thighs and lifted, stumbling out of the thicket.Snapping snarls followed her. Shoulder blades flinching at the sounds, Leseach tightened her grip on the moaning man, lurching across the rocky riverbed, aiming for the river.Warning barks then a howl made the breath that had wedged in her throat gasp out in relief. She could hear the distance growing. The tehnears weren't going to leave their kill alone.Reaching the river, she booted smaller rocks aside, awkwardly sweeping her feet back and forth to create a smooth place to set him down.With a grunt of effort, she lowered first his legs then carefully his torso, keeping her hold across his back.Her hand touched the bandi sword embedded in his back.Rashid gave a hoarse gasp of pain.
The Birthright Series Chapter 330
WE RODE OUT TO THE hunt in open carriages, an organized mass of horse pulling vehicles laden with guests in ornate clothing. I pressed a hand out against the fine netting slung over the arches at either end of the wagon and watched a film of dust rapidly build over the mesh. The swaying motion of the carriages and the leg room made the journey feel ridiculously decadent; for a person used to centaur and horseback.I leaned back against Alek, a smile spreading as he tucked his arm around my back, hand splaying over my thigh.'Enjoying the ride?'I tipped my head back, meeting his dark blue gaze with a grin.'Yes! I didn't even realize carriage was an option.'He laughed while Elena, relaxing in the seat before us, twisted to look my way.'How else would you expect the royal family to travel?' 'I hadn't thought. To be honest.' One of the numerous things that had never occurred to me to consider.Alek snorted and Elena turned back. Beside her Aldeern sat with his back straight, h
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Paiga gasped and Mila stiffened. A glimmer of annoyance flashed in Mama's eyes before she reached for Luca.'Yes, they have. But we won't. We're tied together. We will go in together and come out. You have to trust in us Luca. We need your energy too, please keep the right thoughts in your mind.'Luca swallowed, throat convulsing. He nodded. 'Yes, Aunty Dan'iss.''Listen up everyone!'Uncle Harlon's shout made Mila jolt.'Hush, Mila,' Papa joggled her in the sling. 'You're going to be fine, I'm right here.' He wrapped his arms around her. Heart pounding with nerves, Mila pressed her cheek to Papa's chest, listening as Uncle Harlon gave the instructions.A glimmer of eyes appeared by Papa and a moment later she felt the brief touch of Ery's hand to her head.'Bye Ery,' she whispered. The air within the cave started to hum with energy, all the adults calling theirs up. It made the space warm and comforting. Mila started to doze off.'Hold on,' Uncle Harlon called out. 'Here we
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The conversation seemed easy after that.Ery showed the girls' how to swallow the worms whole. Mila screwed her nose up, grabbing her arms and shaking her head. 'No, no, no!'Paiga tried it. With a grimace, both Mila and Ery watching close, she plucked a wriggling worm up then dropped it in her mouth. Her eyes squeezed shut as she gulped the worm down in one swallow.She opened her eyes and stared at Mila and Ery. 'It tasted good!''Really?''Yes, sweet.'Mila shook her head when Ery offered her the last one, motioning it to her. 'No, you have it.' The mushrooms were yum, and the sparks continued as you swallowed it. It was impressive on Ery with her fine almost translucent skin. Mila and Paiga gasped as the sparks flashed in her throat before another dim flash in her tummy. It made all three of them laugh, the two girls giggling away while Ery coughed her laughter.Next was the flesh and berries. Ery showed them how to peel a piece of flesh away from the main then mush the be
The Birthright Series Chapter 391
When the group came across a river, they stopped. After a careful taste test, dipping a crystal necklace in to check the quality, everyone was allowed to drink.Mila and Paiga wrinkled their noses at the odd smell. Like a cup of nellor left out for too long.'It won't hurt you, girls,' Papa said with a smile as he squatted to scoop water to his mouth. 'Drink up.'The two girls' sipped water from their cupped hands, giggling as it spilled out. The adults conversed as the two of them had fun flicking water at each other.An odd sound like a cough made Mila look up, Paiga too.Both girls gasped, stumbling back from the river.'Mila? What's wro-' Mama broke off as she looked up too.Uncle Harlon made a funning clicking noise.The strange looking person that clung to the ceiling with three others responded with clicks and whistles.Mama beckoned Mila and Paiga, and the two girls scampered to her side.'Mama, who are they?' Mila whispered, Paiga crowding close to hear the answer.
The Birthright Series Chapter 390
With that entertainment gone, Mila went back to focusing on her feet. Pull one knee high while keeping balance and drop it. Each step seemed to make her head go lower. But she kept going, with Mama and Papa pulling her along. Finally, after what felt like hours and hours, Uncle Gydon said they could stop.'Take your rest, I'll be waking you in an hour to keep guard,' he motioned an uncle. 'Then you take an hour watch and wake the next. You get five hours rest. Make the most of it.'Papa and Mama and several other adults had bags with clothing. It all got pulled out and spread around the group, trying to provide a little warmth and comfort. Mila curled up between her parents, her head against Papa's chest. It seemed so cold and strange she didn't think she could sleep.Then she closed her eyes.'Mila, lovey, wake up.'Mila stirred at Mama's voice and the gentle touch of her hand on her back. She sat up with a jaw-splitting yawn. Blinking, she peered around in confusion.'Mama, a
The Birthright Series Chapter 389
The air smelled cold, and something else, something Mila found familiar but out of place.'Mama,' she whispered. 'What's that smell?''What smell, lovey?''It smells like,' Mila paused, considering. 'It smells like the kitchen, when cook has fresh rabbits.'Mama didn't say anything but she looked at Papa.'I smell it,' said another voice from within the circle.'Me too.''Carrion?''Perhaps. The scent will carry when the air is still.'Not understanding what "carrion" meant, but glad that the adults appeared to have solved the smell, Mila relaxed a little, nose wrinkling at the sharp edge of that scent.Minutes ticked by as they covered good ground.'We're close,' said the man leading them. A screech flashed past overhead, the group twisting, following the sound.A man shouted.Mila's head snapped in the direction of the shout, just in time to glimpse the man's boots vanishing as something, something with enormous black wings, snatched him up!Shrieks of terror rang out
The Birthright Series Chapter 388
Everyone moved. It surprised Mila how many people were here, but so many seemed to be missing too. Mama took her hand. On her other side was her younger cousin Paiga. Normally she annoyed Mila, with all the questions she asked, but the scared expression in her eyes reminded Mila of Addy. She offered her other hand to Paiga, who took it with a tentative smile.The group began to walk.Mila hadn't realized until now how tired she was. She stumbled over the riverbed the rocks stubbing her toes as she held Paiga and Mama's hands. It made tears run down her cheeks, but she didn't stop. On and on, picking her feet up, tripping, Mama's hand stopping her from falling. Paiga tripped and Mila managed to hold her arm high enough to stop her cousin from hitting the stones.'Thanks, Mila,' Paiga sounded like she felt. Ready to cry. So very tired.Around them the adults talked. Mila listened.'Where do we go?''The hidden caves. We can keep underground nearly all the way to the coast.''The
The Birthright Series Chapter 387
Papa's energy sparked in alarm then Mama's too. Mila twisted to stare back at the way the sounds came from and spotted a bobbing light. Torch light.Mama and Papa kept low and began to move again, almost crawling. Mila crunched up against Papa's back, squinting at first then kept her head down to avoid the lower branches.The sounds of those approaching grew. Papa moved faster, Mama right behind. They scooted up higher, scrambling, and tucked against cold stone. Not a moment later the torches bobbed past, following the track they'd been on.The bobbing lights moved closer then away, and closer again. The voices, questioning but too quiet to make out the words, sounded near.Crouched against the narrow stone ledge, Papa and Mama held hands. The soft touch of their energy surrounded all three of them.The bobbing lights came closer, close enough that Mila saw the faces of those who held them. Five DeNaga men, armed with swords, axes, and clubs.Mila shivered at the sight of the
The Birthright Series Chapter 386
Now the puzzle looked a third smaller than when she'd stared, but instead of one beginning point to work from there were three. She regarded the three pieces while chewing on the inside of her cheek. Two circular and one rectangle. The rectangle had a large circular opening, about the size of the smaller circle. Mila focused on the larger circle and turned it around, looking for the switch. It looked different to the previous circles she'd worked with, the markings running out from the centre like a starburst. One line caught her eye. With a finger Mila traced down it then jolted when something clicked. She froze. Heart pounding in her ears, she watched the circle break apart, opening at all the lines of the starburst. With another click it moved into motion, each piece folding down on itself and merging with the next. A moment later a tiny gold ball like had been in the first puzzle piece hung before her eyes.Excitement ran through Mila when she realized how the pieces went togeth
The Birthright Series Chapter 385
An array of squeals, bells, rattles and shrieks rang out. Face white Papa reached for them as something flashed out from amongst the lock trap, winding around his leg, wrenching him off his feet as it wound back in the blink of an eye.Mama gripped Mila tighter, her voice breaking on a note of despair, 'ZAYCK!'In the centre of the ceiling held by his ankles, hung Papa.Mama's energy holding Mila clutched even tighter as Mama set her on the ground then stood and reached out with both hands toward the lock, her energy glowing. Mila stared, waiting to see what happened.Mama stretched her energy out, probing gently.It touched the first puzzle piece. A clattering of chimes and screeches rang out, sparks flying.In the centre of the room, jerking like a fish caught on a line, Papa made an awful shriek.Mila dropped, hugging her knees to her forehead, stomach and mind sick from that sound.Papa was the bravest, strongest man in the world.He couldn't be caught, be hurting.Who wo
